We often know it when we see it, but how do we define it?  Martha Beck, author and life coach came up with some basic considerations for quality and value. Dr Beck considers the 3 C’s : “ Cost, conceptual value and corporeal sensation” to be the determing  factors of value. This is very sophisticated language for price, facts about an item and our physical reaction to seeing, feeling, hearing, touching or tasting something.

While one person sees quality in an object, another sees it in a place, others through aesthetics and others through experience. People stumble upon it, cultivate it, purchase it, and live in it.  

The garden bud vase above is by Tiffany & Co. Silver teapot by Barbara Barry for Wedgewood. Jacaranda bowl by  Puiforcat. Windsor Shell tea strainer by Old  Newbury Crafters.

Often we equate quality with price. High quality is not always synonymous with high price, but often the most expensive item is the best. “Considering what the object means, where it comes from, and how other people value it are factors that help me feel proud of my home and excited to let others experience it.” -Martha Beck.

Handknotted Tibetan wool rugs are a treasure for any home. The quality of the rug is determined by knots per square inch. A typical handmade rug has about 60 knots per square inch; a phenomenal rug will have at least 400. The skill it takes to make these rugs is extraodinary.  

Fine Craftsmanship: “Precision-the way a door is hung and getting cabinets to line up perfectly equals quality, and being able to work with the very best craftsmen is a real privilege. A lot of people say very expensive houses are vanity, but those projects support people who take building seriously, and they help individual tradesmen keep their art alive.”- James Biber, architect and partner of design  firm Pentagram. The Arts and Crafts dining room above was designed by Jacques Saint Dizier and photoraphed by Mary E. Nichols.        

 Glamour and grandeur abound in this beautiful bath. Silk drapery panels frame custom made painted glass panels that cover the lower portion of the windows. The exposed plumbing contributes to the flair of this sophisticated, classic design.  Dream Baths 2008. 

A clutter Free Home: “Our homes are the single most important investment because they are an investment in ourselves. We can travel the world in an airplane or be out all day working , but when we come home, we have the power to create a place of healing from the hectic world. Home is the place where we spend time alone in silence, regrouping, restoring, and renewing. I keep a clean, fresh and uncluttered house. I spend money on the things that are closest to me-my linens, porcelain, even an ironed napkin. And one of the best things in life is free; the light that spills into my windows every morning is a gift that gives me energy.”-Barbara Barry Interior and Furniture Designer.  

This serene room above was designed by Garrow Kedigan and photographed by Pieter Estersohn. It exemplifies a fresh, light and welcoming atmosphere with a mix of many patterns with neutral colors to keep it calm-understated elegance with a huge dose of textural interest.    

This elegant pewter set is made in Italy by match1995.com. The simple natural beauty of the linen tablecloth and napkin compliment the plate, fork, knife and wine glass base. I could frame this picture just for the simple luxury it portrays. 

A perfect terrace spot for this country dwelling in France. Once a convent it is now a private home. Nothing much to say about the perfection of this dream setting.    

All things ”Waterworks” speak of quality and distinction-Egyptian cotton towels, vintage and contemporay bath fixtures and the very best bath accessories on the market. I finish every bath renovation with a trip to Waterworks.  www.waterworks.com   

“Wherever it’s seen, felt or found, the one consistent attribute of real quality is it’s endurance: It always holds or increases in value over time. Maybe that’s because when we recognize quality, we connect to a larger truth, either about ourselves or about human  nature. Quality can and should be everlasting, but its real value lies in the heart of the beholder.”